2010年8月30日 星期一

東京築地市場重建

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:

 東京・築地市場の移転問題に絡み、同市場を現在地で建て替える場合の費用を東京都が改めて試算したところ、最も高いケースでも、これまで説明していた試算額約3400億円の半分の約1780億円で済むとの結果が出ていたことが30日、分かった。

 現在地で建て替える場合の費用が高額になることも都が移転を推進する理由の一つで、その試算額の大幅な変更は、来月に始まる都議会定例会で議論になりそうだ。
 同日午後に開催する都議会の小委員会で報告される。
 試算はA、B、Cの3案あり、中央区晴海地区へ一時的に全部移転し、工事後に再び戻るA案が約1780億円と最も高い。晴海地区に一部移転しながら順次工事を進めるB案・C案では約1460億円となっている。
 都は1995年、築地市場を現在地で建て替える場合の事業費について、建物建設費約2800億円、土木・外構工事約300億円など計約3400億円かかると試算。一方、江東区豊洲地区に移転する場合は、土壌・地下水汚染による対策費も含めて約4300億円かかるものの、築地市場の跡地を売却するため、現在地に建て替えるより、都の負担が圧倒的に少ないと説明していた。
 試算額が変動したことについて、都では「前の試算では、狭い築地市場内で順次移転しながら工事を進める計画だったため、工事回数が増え、工費が膨らんだ」としている。
 ただ、利用者が支払う施設使用料は、豊洲地区に移転した場合より1・33~1・62倍に高くなるとしており、現在地再整備の難しさも示唆している。
 1935年に開場した築地市場は老朽化のため、都が91年に現在地での再整備に着手。約400億円を投じて進めたが、市場関係者の猛反発を受け、頓挫した。その後、都は2014年中の新市場開場を目指し、豊洲地区への移転を進める一方、都議会第1党の民主党は現在地での再整備を再び検討するよう求めていた。

Tokyo provisionally had calculated the cost that centered round the problem of moving Tokyo Tsukiji Shijo, in the case the same market to be rebuilt on the present location again, on the 30th, it was understood that the end result that came out was at a cost of about 178 billion yen, being half of the previous highest trial calculation scenario of about 340 billion yen.

One of the reasons why the capital promoted the move was the cost to rebuild it in the present place was becoming a large amount of money, and it seemed that a great change in the amount of the trial calculation would be discussed at the metropolitan assembly regular meeting that would start next month.

It would be reported in the subcommittee of the metropolitan assembly to be held in the afternoon on the same day.

There would be three plans of A, B, and C for the trial calculation, in A plan everything would be moved to Chuo Ward Harumi district temporarily, and to return again after construction and this would be the highest at about 178 billion yen. Plan B and C would move in parts one by one to the Harumi district so as to speed up the construction and would cost about 146 billion yen.

In the capital in 1995, the calculation on the cost of building construction works was about 280 billion yen and engineering construction works etc was about 30 billion yen, making total provisional project cost to about 340 billion yen for rebuilding in the present location of Tsukiji Shijo. On the other hand, it explained that compared to rebuilding it at present location, if to move it to the Koto Ward Toyosu district and to sell of the present site at Tsukiji Shijo, the burden on the capital was less, although it would include an overwhelmingly cost of about 430 billion yen of expenses to handle soil and underground water pollution.

The amount of trial calculation by the capital had changed because it was previously assumed that "The construction frequency was increased because for the purpose of speed, in the previous trial calculation, it was scheduled that during construction, relocation would be done one by one inside the narrow Tsukiji Shijo, and thus swelled the cost of construction".

However, it was assumed that users would pay 1.33 to 1・62 times more for facilities rental when compared to move it to Toyosu district, the difficulty of maintaining the present location was suggested.

In 1991 the capital started the re-development of the present location in Tsukiji Shijo that opened doors in 1935 and had become old. Strong opposition from people related to the market was received, and it frustrated further development although about 40 billion yen had been thrown into it. Afterwards, the capital aimed at having a new market open in 2014, the Democratic Party as the first party of the metropolitan assembly requested to examine the re-development of the present location, and promoted the removal to the Toyosu district.

Tsukiji Shijo is famous for selling seafood. Many people will miss it if it is moved to another location.

2010年8月28日 星期六

The China White Paper 1949 (XXVII)

Another implication of the occupation of Changchun was that Nationalist government army leaders in Manchuria became over confident of their military capability and falsely believed that they could solve the problem in Manchuria by non-political means. On May 24th Chiang Kai-shek spelt out his conditions for the restoration of peace. He wanted the Communist to demonstration their good faith by allowing the National Government agencies to restore communication networks in North China. On June 3rd, 1946 Chiang issued orders to cease the advancement of his armies or the pursuit of Communists for a period of ten days thus paving the way for negotiations with the Communists. General Chou En-lai (周恩來 ) asked for an extension from 10 day to one month but finally reduced it to 15 days. Chou would fly to Yenan (延安) to discuss with CCP leaders.1 Negotiations proceeded very slowing during the truce period. On June 17, Chiang told General Marshall his expectation from the negotiations: the evacuation of CCP forces from Jehol and Chahar Provinces before 1st September 1946, and the occupation of Chefoo and Weihaiwai in Shantung by the Nationalists. In Manchuria, the Nationalist government wanted to take over from the Communists locations that included Harbin, Antung, Tunghwa, Mutankiang, and Paicheng. Immediately General Chou regarded these requests were too much.2 (to be continued)

Notes:
1.United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, page 158.
2. Ibid., page 160.

2010年8月26日 星期四

The China White Paper 1949 (XXVI)

General Marshall temporarily withdrew from the mediation over the Manchurian problems. Yet he still maintained a dialogue with the two parties. The situation in Manchuria was made difficult by Chiang’s insistence that Communists had to evacuate from Changchun (長春). On May 23, 1946 Chiang visited Mukden (瀋陽) using General Marshall’s airplane. In the public eyes, for Chiang this had the political effect of creating the impression of a close relationship between Chiang and Marshall, and such an effect, according to the White Paper, would later set in motion a series of disastrous happenings over the relationship between the Nationalist and the Communists. Following the withdrawal of the Communists, the Nationalist troops finally entered Changchun on May 23rd. The timing of the event further added to the good public image of Chiang as it created the impression that Chiang was in full control of the situation militarily. After entering Changchun, the Government troops continued to advance north, such an action further increased the suspicion of the Communists and they doubted whether General Marshall was holding an impartial position.1 (to be continued)

Note:
1.United States, Department of State. The China White Paper-August 1949. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1967, page 155.

2010年8月25日 星期三

日本理科生薪水高過文科生

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:

大学の理系学部卒業者の平均年収は、文系学部卒業者に比べて約100万円高く、年齢が上がるにつれて所得差が広がるという結果が、京都大、同志社大などによるインターネット調査で明らかになった。

 京大経済研究所の西村和雄・特任教授は「文系卒の方が高所得だとの説が一部にあったが、異なる結果になった。理系は技術を身につけることで、より広い範囲の職業を選べることが理由の一つでは」としている。
 2008年6月、民間調査会社のモニターのうち大卒者から回答を得る方法で実施。100を超える国公私立大を卒業した20歳代~60歳代の1632人(文系988人、理系644人)の回答を分析した結果、平均年収は文系が583万円だったのに対し、理系は681万円と大幅に上回った。
 年齢別にみると、25歳の時点では文系が306万円、理系が366万円で60万円の差だが、60歳では文系が720万円、理系が888万円となり、168万円の差に広がった。入学難易度を偏差値から3段階に分けた場合でみても、各難易度で理系が文系を上回った。
 結果の分析や論文作成などを終えたことから発表した。西村特任教授らによると、十数年前に1大学の卒業生を調査し、「生涯所得は文系卒が約5000万円高い」との研究結果が出されていたという。

The Internet research result of the Kyoto University, and the Doshisha University etc. showed that the average annual salary income of science course faculty university graduates earned one million yen more than the liberal arts course faculty graduates, the earning difference increased as their age went up.

The special duty professor Kazuo Nishimura of Kyoto University Economic Research Institute supposed that 「The liberal arts course graduates had high profit was part of the theory though, the result was different. One reason is that those from science course by acquiring the technology are able to choose a wider range of occupations. 」

It operated in June, 2008 by the private research company Monitor by the method of receiving answers from the university graduates. The reply from graduates of over 100 national public and private universities aged between 20s to 60s totaling 1632 people (988 liberal course people, 644 science course people) were analysed and the result was that the average annual salary of science course was 6.81 million yen, greatly exceeded the liberal arts course of 5.83 million yen.

If to see it according to age, at the point in time at the age of 25, the liberal arts course was 3.06 million yen and the science course was 3.66 million yen, there was a difference of 600,000 yen, at 60 years old the liberal arts course was 7.2 million yen while the science course was 8.88 million yen, the difference had extended to 1.68 million yen. When dividing the entrance difficulty into three stages according to the deviation value to see it, the difficulty in science course exceeded the liberal arts course in all stages.

It was announced after finishing the analysis of results and the completion of the thesis. According to special duty professor Nishimura , it had been said many years ago that the graduates of one university had been investigated, and the research result was that "The liberal arts course graduate lifetime income is about 50 million yen higher", now that had been put out.

It seems that the present survey is more reliable than the one done many years ago.

2010年8月24日 星期二

2010夏日燒烤聚會


星期天, 接近二十人到我家後院參加每年一度的夏日燒烤聚會. 早上天氣不佳,天色灰暗, 天文台預測有八成機會下雨, 令我擔憂燒烤活動可能需要改在車房舉行. 幸好中午時份,開始看見太陽, 因此立刻搬出檯凳和燒烤用品在後院佈置一番. 大約五時開始燒雞翼,牛柳,香腸,三文魚等. 雖然做得很累, 但看見那麼多人賞面前來一聚, 齊齊享受了一個風和日麗的星期天, 疲倦都是值得的.

2010年8月23日 星期一

北海道開始捕鯨

Recently the NHK News reported the following:

北海道の網走港で、20日からオホーツク海で漁が始まった小型のクジラ「ツチクジラ」がことし初めて水揚げされました。
ツチクジラは、商業捕鯨を禁止しているIWC=国際捕鯨委員会が管理していない小型のクジラで、水産庁が、全国で年間66頭、オホーツク海では4頭まで捕獲を認めています。網走港には21日の午後、知床岬の沖で捕獲した体長9.5メートルのツチクジラ1頭がことし初めて水揚げされました。港では、解体作業が行われ、集まった市民を前に、水産会社の担当者が大きななたのような包丁で手際よく切り分けていました。子どもといっしょに港を訪れた地元の男性は「クジラの水揚げを見るのは貴重な経験なので、子どもに見せたくて来ました」と話し、クジラを間近で見た小学4年生の男の子は「実物のクジラを初めて見ました。大きいので驚きました」と話していました。オホーツク海のツチクジラ漁は、今月末まで続けられ、加工された肉は全国に出荷されるということです。

Small whale "[Tsuchikujira]" fishing had started on the 20th in Okhotsk and one was landed for the first time in Abashiri port of Hokkaido this year.
[Tsuchikujira] is a small whale that IWC = International Whaling Commission that prohibits the commercial whaling is not interfering with its catching, the Fishery Agency permitted its capture up to four at Okhotsk during year and 66 in the whole country. At Abashiri port in the afternoon on the 21st, one [tsuchikujira] with a length of 9.5 meters was captured in the offing at Shiretoko cape and it was landed for the first time this year. In the port, the dismantlement work was done, the person in charge of a fishery company divided it skillfully with the kitchen knife like a big hatchet in front of the gathering citizen. A local man visited the port together with a child said, "Because it was a precious lesson to see the landing of the whale, I wanted to show it to the child", and a boy in the fourth grade of elementary school who had seen the whale closely said, "It was the first time for me to see the real thing. I was surprised because it was so large". At Okhotsk the fishing of [tsuchikujira] would continue until the end of this month, and the meat would be shipped to the whole country after processing.

It is well known that Japanese love eating sea-food, including whales.

2010年8月22日 星期日

HMV渋谷關門

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following: 

「渋谷系」と呼ばれる音楽の発信地として人気を集めた大型CD店「HMV渋谷」(東京都渋谷区)が22日、閉店した。

 この日は、ミュージシャンらによるミニライブなどのイベントも開かれ、閉店を惜しんで記念撮影する客も多かった。 「時代の移り変わりを感じる」と話すのは東京都目黒区、会社員大江浩行さん(38)。「自分が18歳で上京した年にちょうど開店した。仕事帰りによく寄ってCDを買っていた。閉店してしまうのはさみしい」

 子どもの頃から通っていたという東京都東久留米市の谷川正樹さん(31)は「アルバイトでためたお金で、よく渋谷系音楽のCDを買っていた。新しい音楽と出会える場所だった」と名残惜しそうに語った。 同店は、英国系CD販売チェーンHMVが1990年に日本第1号店として開店。98年にセンター街の現在地に移転した。

The popular, large-scale CD shop "HMV Shibuya" (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo) as a place of music dispatching called "Shibuyakei" closed store on the 22nd.

Events depending on musicians such as mini-rhyme were held, and there were a lot of guests who regretted the closing of store took commemoration pictures on this day. "The change of an age is felt" said company employee Hiroyuki Oe (38) at Meguro Ward, Tokyo, "The store was just opened in the year when I went to Tokyo at the age of 18. After work I often stopped by to buy CD. The closure of the store means loneliness".

Masaki Yakawa (31) in Higashikurume City, Tokyo went there since he was a child said in regret about the departing "I often bought CD of Shibuya music with money saved up from the part-time job. It was a place that one was able to encounter new music". British CD sales chain HMV opened this shop as the first shop in Japan in 1990. It moved to the present location on Central Street in 1998.

Although old shops are closing, new shops are opening up. It is natural to see change from one generation to another.

2010年8月21日 星期六

中國蒲燒鰻魚

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:

イトーヨーカ堂(東京・千代田区)が中国から輸入したウナギかば焼きの輸入者表示改ざん事件で、神奈川県警は20日、箱の詰め替えの実行役とされる住所・職業不詳、西原健一容疑者(47)を食品衛生法違反(虚偽表示)容疑で逮捕した。

 発表によると、西原容疑者は同じ容疑で逮捕された6人と共謀し、輸入者をイトーヨーカ堂と記した段ボール箱から、輸入者や販売者欄に「高山シーフード」(東京都三鷹市)と表示された段ボール箱にウナギかば焼きを詰め替え、2009年6~10月に約15トンを計約634万円で販売した疑い。
 西原容疑者は、知人で高山元社員の小池信行容疑者(47)から依頼され、宮城県気仙沼市や千葉県銚子市の水産加工会社の冷蔵庫で詰め替え作業を行ったとされ、高山側から報酬として117万円を受け取っていたという。これまでの任意の調べに「詰め替えた箱の一部では、(小池容疑者から)指示を受け、賞味期限の改ざんもした」と話していた。
 西原容疑者は県警の出頭要請に応じ、20日夜、仕事で滞在した中国から成田空港に戻ったところを逮捕された。

Regarding the incident that Ito-Yokado (Tokyo Chiyoda Ward) had falsified details about the split and broiled eel imported from China by way of changing the split and broiled importer labels, on the 20th Kanagawa Prefecture Police arrested suspect Kenichi Nishihara (47) whose occupation and address were unknown, for being suspected of carrying out the refilling of boxes thus violated the Food Hygiene Law (False Marking).

According to the announcement, Nishihara the suspect together with 6 other people also arrested for conspiracy with the same suspicion of refilling the split and broiled eel into cardboard boxes that displayed "High Mountain Seafood" (Tokyo Mitaka city) in the importer and seller columns, from boxes that displayed Ito-Yokado as the importer, thus selling about 15 tons for about 6.34 million yen in total from June to October 2009.
Nishihara the suspect through an acquaintance took up the request of High Mountain's former employee Shingyou Koike suspect (47), worked at the refrigerator of a fishery processing company in both Miyagi Prefecture Kesennuma City and Chiba Prefecture Choshi City to carry out the refilling, and it was said that he had received 1.17 million yen from the High Mountain side as a reward. In the arbitrary examination up to now, it was said that "(from suspect Koike) refilled part of the boxes, such was the instruction received, and the best-before date was falsified".
On the 20th at night, following the appearance request of the prefecture Police Nishihara the suspect was arrested after returning to New Tokyo International Airport from China where he had stayed on business.

So next time when you see eels in markets of Japan, don't be so sure that they must be a product of Japan, even if they are labeled as such.

2010年8月20日 星期五

日企業員工學英語(II)

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:

だが、景気の回復過程でアジアを中心に海外展開を図る企業が増え、英語が使える人材の確保を急いでいる。パナソニックは11年度の新卒採用の約8割を海外で採用し、ファーストリテイリングも11年度採用予定600人のうち半数を外国人にする計画で、こうした動きが最近のビジネス英語人気につながっている。
 東京・渋谷の英会話学校に通う男性会社員(35)は「海外の取引先とメールやテレビ会議が日常的に行われるようになり、英語ができずに業務が滞ることが怖い」と習得に懸命だ。
 学校側も企業経験がある講師を採用するなど、即戦力を培える英語の授業に力を入れている。ベルリッツでは会議や交渉の場面を想定したコースが人気で、駆け引きや難局打開の技法を学ぶなど仕事にすぐ生かせる実践的な内容が売りだ。大企業の役員が駆け込んでくることもあるという。
 
However, in the process of recuperation, the number of enterprises that had business centering in Asia yet attempted to expand overseas had increased, to secure talents who could use English became urgent. Panasonic in 2011 fiscal year would have about 80 percent of the new graduate employees from overseas, Fast Retailing also planned the schedule of 2011 fiscal year to have half of the 600 people to be recruited from foreigners, and such movement was connected to the popularity in business English recently.
A male company employee (35) who went to the English conversation school in Tokyo Shibuya was making an all-out effort to learn had said that "Mail and video-conferencing had to be done with overseas customers daily, and any business stagnation due to the inability to speak English would be scary".
The schools were also making efforts in English classes that cultivated skills by employing lecturers who had corporate experience. In Berlitz the course which the scene of the conference and the negotiation was assumed was popular, and to learn the technique of bargaining and breaking deadlocks which had practical content that could be made the best use in work soon was the selling point. It was said that directors of the big enterprises occasionally rushed into these courses.

My impression is that Japanese employers are making an effort to cope the the globalization. To learn English is an indicator of their keen determination in this respect.

2010年8月19日 星期四

日企業員工學英語(I)

Recently the Yomiuri News reported the following:

企業のグローバル展開を受けてビジネスマン向けの英会話学校が活況を呈している。

 仕事で英語を使うことを迫られる人々のニーズに応えようと、各校はより実践的な教育プログラムの開発に取り組んでいる。
 楽天や「ユニクロ」を展開するファーストリテイリングが業務での英語使用を義務付ける動きもあり、英語教育の関連業界は絶好の商機とみて需要の掘り起こしに躍起だ。
 ベルリッツ・ジャパンは今年4~6月、法人契約や個人利用の会社員の入学者が前年同期比5割増となったほか、夏期の短期講習の申し込みは前年比で約2・5倍に達したという。Gabaの今年上半期の法人契約者数も同12%増と好調だ。
 英会話などの語学学校は2008年秋のリーマン・ショック後に企業研修や個人の利用が急減し苦境に陥った。民間の調査会社・矢野経済研究所によると、09年度の市場規模は前年度比約5・8%減の5026億円に落ち込み、大手のジオスは破綻(はたん)に追い込まれた。
 
Because of the global expansion of enterprises English school for business conversation was showing briskness.

Individual school was working on the development of practical educational program to answer the needs of people who had the urge to use English in business.
The Fast Retailing that developed Rokutien and "Uniqlo" obligated English to be used in business, the related industry of English Language Education thought it as a splendid market opportunity and was frantic as demand was generated.
For Berlitz Japan this year from April to June, both corporate contract and individual company employees that applied for admission had increased by half compared with the previous year, besides, short term summer course application compared with the previous year was said to have reached 2.5 times more.This year the number of corporate contractors for Gaga in the first half of the year was also good with a 12% increase.
The demand for language school of English conversation decreased suddenly and became a predicament after the Lehman shock happened in the autumn of 2008 causing a fall in training by corporations and by individuals. According to a private research company the Yano Economic Research Institute, the market size in fiscal year 2009 fell to 502.6 billion yen which was about a 5.8% decrease compared with the previous year, and the big company Jiosu was driven into bankruptcy. (to be continued)

2010年8月18日 星期三

坂本竜馬的手槍

Recently the Excite News reported the following:

幕末の志士高杉晋作が坂本竜馬に贈った拳銃と同型の拳銃が松山の個人宅で見つかり、18日までに、高知市の坂本竜馬記念館に寄贈された。今月末から同館で展示する。拳銃は米S&W社製の「モデル2アーミー」で、南北戦争の際に製造され日本にも輸入された。同館によると、高杉晋作は同型の拳銃を上海で購入し竜馬に進呈。寺田屋事件で捕り方に襲われた竜馬はこの拳銃で応戦し、危機を脱したとされる。
Regarding the gun presented to Ryoma Sakamoto by Takasugi the patriot warrior who lived at the end of shogunate, a gun of the same model was found in the personal residence of Matsuyama, and it was donated to the memorial pavilion of Ryoma Sakamoto in Kochi City on the 18th. It would be exhibited in the pavilion at the end of this month. The gun was the "Model 2 Army" made by S&W Company of the United States during the Civil War between the Northern and Southern states, and it was imported into Japan. According to the pavilion, this same model gun was bought in Shanghai by Susumu Takasugi and presented to Ryoma. In the Teradaya House incident, Ryoma used this pistol to fight with the attackers who were trying to capture him and Ryoma was successful in getting away.

Ryoma Sakamoto (1836-1867) was an important historical figure in Japanese history during the 1860s and this attack took place in January 1866. Things that have connection with him are fascinating to many people.

2010年8月17日 星期二

B29空襲東京武蔵野市(II)

Recently the FNN News reported the following:

内藤さんは「本当に、生まれて初めての恐怖感というものを味わいました。場合によっては、そこでわたし、死んでいたかもわからない」と話した。
その後も8月8日まで、9度にわたる空襲を受けた工場は壊滅し、働いていた219人の命が失われた。
そんな状況の中、生き延びた内藤さんは、最後の空襲から1週間後、終戦の日を迎えた。
内藤さんは「戦争が終わったんだよということが知れ渡りましたら、わたしたちも、年配の人たちも、お互いに肩を抱き合ってですね、皆、おいおいと泣きました」、「(生き延びられて)感極まったというんでしょうか。それともう1つは、『われわれがこんなに苦労したのに、なんだ』という2つありましたね」と話した。
現在、内藤さんは、有志とともに、戦争の悲惨さを語り継ぐため、武蔵野の空襲に関するパネル展やトークショーネどを定期的に行っている。
内藤さんは「いつまで続けられるかわかりませんが、それが、わたしが生き残った1つの仕事かもしれない。健康なうちは、(語り継ぐ)お手伝いをしていきたいなというふうに考えています」と話した。

Mr. Naito said: "Really, it was the first taste of fear in my life. Judging from the circumstances, death was not understood by me at that time ". There after until August 8 the factory suffered air raids for nine more times and was annihilated, 219 people working there lost their lives.
In such a situation Mr. Naito who had survived faced the day that war ended one week after the last air raid.
Mr. Naito said "When it was well known that the war was ended, all of us, also the elderly mutually embraced each other at their shoulders, gradually everyone cried ","(Being able to survive) feeling had reached the maximum limit? That might be one reason, the other could be 'All of us had gone through such a hard time, for what' ".
Now Mr. Naito together with volunteers, regularly held panel exhibitions and talk shows concerning the air raid of Musashino so that the misery of the war could be handed down.
Mr. Naito said, 「I do not know how long I can continue, but this is a matter for the rest of my life, so long I am still in good health, I believe I shall continue hoping to help (hand it down)」.

It is nice to know that there are people in Japan like Mr. Naito who is working so hard to talk about the misery of the war.

2010年8月16日 星期一

B29空襲東京武蔵野市(I)

Recently the FNN News reported the following:

太平洋戦争の終戦から、15日で65年を迎えました。今は緑豊かな住宅街となっている東京・武蔵野市も、戦時中はB29による空襲の標的となりました。

1944年11月24日。
マリアナ諸島からのB29による本土空襲が始まった。
その標的となったのが、東京・武蔵野市に置かれていた中島飛行機武蔵製作所。
「ゼロ戦」や「隼(はやぶさ)」といった軍用飛行機のエンジンの多くが、ここで造られていたため。
東京ドームおよそ12個分に相当する広い敷地は、現在、都立公園や都営住宅、そして市役所などとして活用されている。
今ではすっかり様変わりしたその場所を、内藤昭雄さん(79)が訪れた。
内藤さんは、当時13歳にして、工場に勤労動員されていた1人。
内藤さんは「(ここにあったのは)武蔵製作所のうちの東工場ということで、わたしども勤労動員の学生は、3階で発動機(エンジン)の組み立てに従事していました」、「トラウマみたいな形でですね、昔のことが思い出されます」と話した。
内藤さんがトラウマと語るのは、B29による武蔵製作所の空襲。
自身の体験を綴った本「少年の見たドウリットル空襲と勤労動員学徒の空襲体験」には、その時の様子について、「誰かが『空襲だ!』と叫びました。この声で皆一斉に立ち上がり、ドアに向かって飛び出しました。担架に乗せられた人は、まるで全身にコールタールをかぶったように真っ黒で、そのうえ、髪の毛は焦げてチリチリになって、生死のほどもわからないありさまでした」と記されている。
On the 15th it would be 65 years from the end of the Pacific War. The present rich green residential area in Tokyo Musashino city had once become the target of air raids by B29 during the War.

November 24, 1944.
The air raid on Japan mainland began as B29 departed from Marianas.
Musashi factory that produced Nakashima airplanes and located in Tokyo Musashino city was the target. Because many of the engines used in the military airplane "Zero-plane" and "Falcon (hayabusa)"were made here.
A site that had a size corresponding to as many as 12 Tokyo Dome had been used, it is now the the metropolitan park, the municipally owned housing, and the city office.
Akio Naito (79) visited the place that now had changed completely.
Mr.Naito was 13 years old at that time, and was one of the mobilized workers in the factory.
Mr. Naito said "(It was here) on the third floor of the east factory of the Musashi factory that as a mobilized student I worked and engaged in the assembly of engines" and "I was reminded things of the past, it was trauma like traces".
The trauma that Mr. Naito had talked about was the air raids on the Musashi factory by B29.
In this regard it was just like the book written based on someone's self experience: "The air-raid experience in the Doolittle air raid and the work mobilization student whom the boy saw", regarding the situation at that time it was recorded that 「Someone shouted "It is an air raid". Everyone stood up together, rushed towards the door. People carried on stretchers were in true black color as if the coal tar had been put on the whole body, hair became curly because it was scorched; the situation was that their life and death was unknown 」. (to be continued)

2010年8月15日 星期日

台灣文化節歌唱比賽









昨天去某商場看一個由台灣文化節舉辦的歌唱比賽. 參加者都是唱鄧麗君的歌. 這是準決賽, 有二十一人參加. 歌手唱的多數是國語歌, 只有三首是日文歌. 水準普通. 大會評判有四位, 需要選出十人參加下月的決賽. 我最近對鄧麗君的歌, 特別是她的日文歌著了迷. 幾日前我向 "歲月留聲"的懷舊音樂節目主持人盧永鏗先生請教, 得知不少有關鄧的資料. 在此謹向盧先生說聲多謝.

2010年8月14日 星期六

携帯型音楽播放機出煙

Recently the NHK News reported the following:

東京・世田谷区にある東急田園都市線の桜新町駅で、13日朝、アップル社の「iPod」とみられる携帯型の音楽プレーヤーから煙が出る騒ぎがあり、電車が8分間止まりました。このトラブルによるけが人はありませんでした。
13日午前8時20分すぎ、東急田園都市線の桜新町駅で、中央林間発、清澄白河行きの普通電車に乗っていた乗客から、「車内で焦げ臭いにおいがする」という通報が駅員に寄せられました。駅員が車内を調べたところ、乗客の女性が「自分のiPodが壊れて煙が出た」と話し、女性の携帯型の音楽プレーヤーが壊れているのを確認しました。このトラブルによるけが人はありませんでしたが、電車は桜新町駅で8分間止まりました。アップル社の携帯型の音楽プレーヤーをめぐっては、「iPod nano」という製品で、充電中にバッテリーが過熱し、火災や発熱が起きる事故が相次いでいて、販売開始からの5年間で事故が61件発生し、4人がやけどをしています。

In the morning of the 13th at Sakurashimmachi Station of Tokyu Denentoshi Line in Tokyo Setagaya Ward there was a commotion when smoke came out from the portable type music player thought to be the "iPod" of Apple Computer Inc., the train stopped for eight minutes. No one was injured because of this trouble.

In the morning on the 13th at slightly past 8.20 am, at Sakurashimmachi Station of Tokyu Denetoshi Line, passenger taking the regular train that departed from Chuo-Rinkan heading towards Kiyoshumi Shirakawa reported that "There was a smell in the car", and the station employee was informed. When the station employee examined the car, a woman passenger said, "My iPod had trouble and there was smoke coming out", it was confirmed that the woman's portable type music player was destroyed. The train stopped for eight minutes at Sakurashimmachi Station though no one was injured because of this trouble. It was the product called "iPod nano", a portable type music player of Apple Computer Inc., while charging the battery was overheated, accidents such as fire and heating had happened in succession, and in the five years since its commercial launching 61 accidents had occurred, and four people had suffered burning.

If you are using similar iPod music players, better be careful with the battery.

2010年8月12日 星期四

大分県有酒店集體食物中毒

Recently the Asahi News reported the following:

大分県は11日、同県九重町の筋湯観光ホテルで食事をした長崎県佐世保市の県立高校の生徒と職員計206人が、発熱や下痢などの症状を訴えたと発表した。患者の便や料理からサルモネラ菌が検出されたことから、保健所は集団食中毒と判断し、12日まで2日間、ホテルでの調理業務を停止する処分を出した。
 大分県によると、ホテルには、職員を含めた1年生グループ228人が7月28日~8月1日、3年生グループ223人が8月1日~7日に学習合宿で宿泊した。症状を訴えた206人のうち57人が医師の診察を受けたが、全員快方に向かっているという。

On the 11th, Oita Prefecture announced that the Nagasaki Prefecture Sasebo City public high school students and staff in total 206 people that had eaten at the Sujiyu Sightseeing Hotel in Kujuuchou of Oita prefecture complained about having fever and symptom such as diarrhea. The public health center detected salmonella in patent's stool and in the food and judged it as a mass food poisoning, gave out a penalty of stopping the cooking business of the hotel for two days until the 12th.

According to Oita Prefecture, from July 28 to August 1 a group of 1st grader and staff totalling 228 people, and from August 1 to 7th, a group of third grader of 223 people all had stayed for the study camp. It was said that among the 206 people who had complained about the symptoms, 57 people had received evaluation by doctors, and all were recovering.

I am wondering how could a big hotel be so careless in providing unclean food to the customers.

2010年8月11日 星期三

日航空難二十五周年

Recently the NHK News reported the following:

520人が犠牲者となった日航ジャンボ機の墜落事故から12日で25年。墜落現場の群馬県上野村では、亡くなった人たちを追悼する灯ろう流しが行われました。
灯ろう流しは、墜落現場「御巣鷹の尾根」の、ふもとを流れる神流川で行われ、遺族の人たちが日暮れ前から次々と集まりました。そして灯ろうに、「ことしで25年毎年必ず会いに来るよ」とか、「ずっと空で見ていてください」などと書き入れ、川に流しました。事故で娘を亡くしたという横浜市の78歳の男性は、「25年がたちましたが、娘はいつも心の中でいっしょです。いつもありがとうという気持ちで灯ろうを流しました」と話していました。また、当時、客室乗務員をしていた娘を亡くした、川崎市の83歳の女性は「娘が亡くなって25年がたちますが気持ちは変わりません。とても残念です」と、話していました。遺族の人たちは、12日に墜落現場をめざす慰霊の登山を行い、夕方からはふもとの「慰霊の園」で行われる慰霊式に参加して、犠牲者に黙とうをささげることにしています。

On the 12th, it would be the 25th year of the crash of the Japan Air Line jumbo jet in which 520 people became victims. The lantern floating ceremony that mourned the dead was held at the crash site at Uenomura in Gunma Prefecture.

Lantern floating was held at the foot of the "Nesting Hawk's Ridge" which was the crash site and where the "God Float River" flowed pass, bereaved family members one after another gathered during the nightfall. On the lanterns were written "In this year of the 25 years, came to meet without failing" or "In the sky please keep on looking" etc. and then floated into the river. A 78-year-old man of Yokohama City whose daughter was lost in the accident said 「My daughter is always accompanying me in my heart though 25 years have passed. As usual the lantern was floated with thankful feeling」. Also, a 83-year-old woman from Kawasaki City whose daughter at the time of death was the cabin crew, said 「My feelings has not changed though my daughter is dead and 25 years has passed. It is very regrettable」. Bereaved family members on the 12th participated in a memorial that climbed the ridge at a direction pointing at the crash site, and in the evening they participated in the ceremony held at the "Garden of the Memorial" located at the hill foot, to offer silent prayers to the victims.

It was a major air disaster happened a quarter of a century ago in Japan in which 520 people had died. I feel sad for family members of the victims.

2010年8月9日 星期一

原子彈的日本譯名(II)

The Asahi News recently reported the following:

両記者の上司だった木下秀夫氏は、文芸春秋71年12月号への寄稿で、分室開設について「すべて極秘のうちに行われた」と記し、こう述懐している。「トルーマン大統領の原爆投下声明も、ポツダム宣言も、日本の降伏受諾が先方に届いたことの確認も、その第一報はすべてここでキャッチされた」
 東郷外相への伝達直後の8月7日午後、大本営は広島に投下された核兵器を「新型爆弾」と発表した。軍が「原子爆弾」と認め、被爆地の残留放射能の危険性を公表したのは同14日だったとされる。
 核開発の歴史に詳しい山崎正勝・東工大名誉教授(科学史)は、通信社からの情報が生かされなかったことも、2次被爆の拡大の一因とみる。「日本で戦時中にウランの軍事利用を研究していた専門家は、残留放射能の危険性を知っていたが、軍や政府から知らされずに原爆投下直後の広島、長崎に入り、命を失った人たちがたくさんいる」
 鳥居氏は、新聞通信調査会の会報「メディア展望」で、川越分室に関する連載を始める予定という。

Hideo Kinoshita as the superior of the two journalists recorded the branch's set up by contributing an article to the December 71st year edition of the Bungeishunju, noting that "everything was done in the deepest secrecy", and that was the recollection. "As for President Truman's atomic bombing statement, Potsdam Declaration, and the confirmation that Japan had reached the surrender acceptance with other parties, all the first reporting were captured here".

Immediately after the message was transmitted to Foreign Minister Togo in the afternoon of 7th August, the Imperial HQs announced that the nuclear weapon dropped at Hiroshima was a "New Bomb". It was on the 14th that the army acknowledged the "Atomic bomb" and made public the danger of residual radioactivity in the bombed area.

Professor emeritus (history of science) Masakatsu Yamazaki of Tokyo Institute of Technology who knew in details the history of the nuclear development thought that without making the best use of information from the news agency was one reason for the large amount of secondary radiation exposure. "During the war in Japan specialists who were researching on the military application of uranium knew the danger of residual radioactivity, but neither the army nor the government were told and they entered Hiroshima and Nagasaki immediately after the atomic bombing, and a lot of people lost their life".

Torii had planned on publishing a series concerning the Kawagoe branch in "Media Prospect", the bulletin of the Newspaper Communication Investigation Committee.

The event happened in the Kawagoe branch is quite an interesting historical finding in Japan about WWII.

2010年8月8日 星期日

原子彈的日本譯名(I)

Recently the Asahi News reported the following:

終戦直前に広島へ投下された兵器の正体を、国内でいち早く「原子爆弾」と訳し、政府に報告したのは、埼玉県川越市で海外放送を傍受した通信社だった――。戦後65年の今年、そんな裏面史を検証する調査が進んでいる。大本営は結局、しばらくは「新型爆弾」としか発表せず、放射能の脅威が知らされないまま2次被爆の拡大につながったと指摘する専門家もいる。
 「トルーマン(米)大統領が原子爆弾で広島を攻撃した旨発表した」
 財団法人通信社史刊行会(現・新聞通信調査会)から1958年に発行された「通信社史」によると、こんな海外放送を傍受したのは、共同通信社や時事通信社の前身だった同盟通信社の川越分室。45年8月7日午前1時半ごろだった。前日の広島の惨禍に関する重大情報で、日本語に訳され、直ちに東郷茂徳外相らに伝達されたという。 しかし、この記述を検証できる史料は乏しい。川越市史には「同盟通信社が疎開して外国電波をキャッチしていた」とだけ記されている。
 外電の傍受活動について調べている元共同通信記者の鳥居英晴氏(61)と、郷土史を探究する市内の作家龍神由美さん(52)が別々に検証作業を始めたところ、昨年から今年にかけて、市内の同じ「生き証人」にたどり着いた。分室の記者だった故・杉山市平氏の妻昭子(てるこ)さん(83)だ。
 昭子さんは夫から生前、こう聞いていた。「今までにない爆弾が落ち、どうやって訳すかを考え、『原子爆弾』という名を付けた」。翻訳は、同僚の故・武井武夫記者との共同作業だったという。 昭子さんによると、分室は現在の市立博物館の場所で、当時の市立工業学校を使っていた。傍受にあたる逓信省の技術者や英文をタイプする日系人も出入りしていた。昭子さんは「知られていないけど大変な歴史なんです」と話す。

It was a news agency in Saitama Prefecture Kawagoe City that intercepted the overseas radio service and the true nature of the weapon dropped at Hiroshima immediately before the end of the war was promptly translated into "Atomic Bomb" domestically, and reported to the government. This year is 65 years after the war, the investigation that verified such an inside history was pursued. Imperial headquarters also had specialists who pointed out that if without quickly announcing the "New Bomb", or letting the threat of the radioactivity unknown would contribute to an increase in secondary radiation exposure.
"President Truman (U.S.) announced the order to attack Hiroshima with an atomic bomb".
According to the "History of the News Agency" issued in 1958 and based on the News Agency History Publication Association Foundation (the present Newspaper Communication Investigation Committee) , it was the Kawagoe branch of the Alliance News Agency, being the predecessor of Kyodo News Service and Jiji Press Co. that intercepted such overseas radio broadcast. It was about 1:30AM on August 7th 1945. It was said that it was translated into Japanese as an important information about the disaster in Hiroshima the day before, and was transmitted at once to Foreign Minister Togo Shigetoku and others. However, historical materials that could verify this description was scarce. The record in the history of Kawagoe City was only that "The Alliance News Agency evacuated and a foreign radio message had been captured".

Regarding the investigation of interception activity on foreign radio messages, Ryuukami (52) the writer and local village history searcher who was in the city together with Torii (61) the former journalist of Kyodo News Service, both separately started the verification work, from last year to this year and they reached the same "surviving witness" in the city. It was Akiko (83), the surviving wife of the deceased Sugiyama who was the journalist of the branch.

She heard from her husband when he was alive saying that "The bomb dropped was not as before, and had to consider how to translate it, and the name 'Atomic Bomb' was coined. It was said that this translation was the joint work with Takeo Takei the deceased colleague journalist.
According to Akiko, the branch at that time used a municipal technical school, its present location was the municipal museum. Engineers of the communication ministry who undertook to intercept together with people of Japanese descent who typed it in out in English went in and out. Akiko said, "It is an important piece of history although it is not made known". (to be continued)

2010年8月7日 星期六

潘基文參加広島市紀念

Recently the Asahi News reported the following:

広島市で6日朝にあった平和記念式で、NHKが国連事務総長として初めて参列した潘基文(パン・ギムン)氏のあいさつ前に中継番組を終えたことについて、視聴者から正午までに「最後まで中継してほしかった」「事務総長のメッセージが生で聞きたかった」など約100件の苦情メールや電話が同局に寄せられた。
 NHKによると、広島、岡山、島根、山口の4県を除く全国で、式典は午前8時から菅直人首相のあいさつが終わった同38分まで中継された。その後、連続テレビ小説「ゲゲゲの女房」を放送した。同局は「例年のことでもあり、全体の番組編成の中で全国放送の中継は菅首相のあいさつまで、と判断した。潘事務総長などのメッセージは、午前10時や正午などその後のニュースで伝えた」と話している。 一方、広島など中国地方の4県では式典が終わる同8時58分まで生中継。潘事務総長のあいさつも放送されたが、これについても同局は「地元だということで例年通り手厚く中継した」という。

In Hiroshima City in the morning on the 6th, at the peace memorial ceremony which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attended for the first time, before he made the greeting NHK ended this relayed program, thus received from listeners and viewers up to noon about 100 complain mails and telephones, such as "I wanted you to relay the ceremony to the last minute" and "I wanted to hear Director General's message in live broadcast", all were directed at this bureau.

According to NHK, the ceremony was relayed to the whole country except for the four prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, and Yamaguchi starting from 8.00 am for 38 minutes when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's greeting was ended. Afterwards, the television drama series "Wife of GeGeGe" was broadcast. This bureau said that 「It was same as before, it was judged that the relay of the entire program for nationwide broadcast should be ended at Prime Minister's greeting. The message of Secretary-General Ben etc. was passed on in the news after 10:00AM and noon etc」. On the other hand, in four prefectures in the Chugoku region such as Hiroshima the ceremony was relayed live until the ceremony ended at 8:58. The message of Secretary-General's greeting was also broadcast, on this the bureau said, "it was the local that as usual cordially relayed it".

This is the first time for the UN Secretary-General to participate in such an event.

2010年8月6日 星期五

楽天總裁用英語發表年中結算

Recently the Asahi News reported the following:

楽天の三木谷浩史社長は5日、2010年6月中間連結決算の発表を英語で行った。12年3月までにグループ内の公用語を英語にする方針をすでに表明しており、自ら「公用語化」を実践した形だ。
 三木谷氏は、本社で開いた約1時間の会見を英語でスピーチ。同時通訳が日本語に訳した。質問した記者7人のうち、日本メディアを含む5人が英語で質問した。 英語を使う理由について、三木谷氏は「我々の最も重要な施策はグローバル化だ」と説明。「英語はストレートに表現するが、日本語だとあいまいになる」とし、仕事の効率が上がるとも強調した。
 日本人同士の意思疎通で混乱はないのかとの質問については、「英語をしゃべらないといけない環境を作っている。今は日本語で補足しないといけない場面もあるが、1、2年後には全社員が流暢(りゅうちょう)な英語が話せるようになる」と、最後まで英語公用化の意義を力説した。

On the 5th president Hiroshi Mikitani of Rokuten announced in English the June 2010 midterm financial settlements. As the policy of making English the official language in the group by March, 2012 had been declared, this was a form of voluntary practice to "Make it into the official language".

Mr. Mikitani made a speech in English for about one hour in the interview held at the headquarters. The simultaneous interpreter translated it into Japanese. Among the seven journalists who had asked questions, five people including the Japanese media raised questions in English. As for the reason to use English, Mr. Mikitani explained, "Our most important measure is for globalization". It was assumed that "When it is in Japanese, things become vague though it is expressed straightly in English", and it was emphasised that work efficiency would go up.

When asked about whether there would be confusion in communication among the Japanese colleagues, it was said that 「The environment that English should be spoken is made. Now there may be scenes that Japanese should be supplemented, but 1 or 2 years later all employees will become able to speak English fluently」. The meaning of making English official in business doing was stressed to the last minute.

It seems that some company CEOs in Japan are quite determined to use English in business activities.

2010年8月5日 星期四

東京六厘舎拉麵店關門

Recently the FNN News reported the following:

今、東京一行列ができるラーメン店といわれる東京・大崎の「六厘舎」が、閉店することになった。住宅街を取り囲む大行列。 そこでは数々のトラブルも起きていた。行列のため、左折しづらい様子の車が見られたほか、行列の一部が住宅地に入って、住宅の入り口をふさいでしまっていた。

今、東京一行列ができるラーメン店といわれる東京・大崎の「六厘舎」。炎天下の中、FNNのスタッフが並んでみると、1時間53分待って、ようやく店内に入ることができた。 六厘舎は、超濃厚スープに極太めんがからみ合うつけめんが人気を呼び、都内屈指の人気店になったが、8月29日で閉店することになった。行列に並んだ客は、「この店が今月(8月)で終わるので」、「もったいないと思いますけど...」などと話した。 その理由が、この大行列にあるという。 近所の住民は、「前はこのへんまで並んでいたんですよ。きちっと並んでくれればいいけど、マナーがいろいろ問題じゃないですか」と話した。

閑静な住宅街に店を構える六厘舎には、休日となればおよそ100人が列を成し、住宅の玄関をふさいだり、通行の妨げになることもあるということで、周辺住民からは度重なる苦情が出ていた。 六厘舎の瀬戸口 亮店長は、「お客さまに来ていただいているので、『来るな』とは言えませんし。この場所での営業は限界」と話した。 店側も数々の対策を打ち出したということだが、警察からの指導などもあり、ついに閉店することになった。

Now, it could be said that the noodle shop "Rokurinsha" in Tokyo at Osaki had attracted one long queue, as the shop would be closed. There was a large line-up surrounding the residential area streets. A lot of troubles had occurred there, too. Because of the long queues, cars had difficulties to turn left, some of the line-up had entered the residential quarter, and the entrance of houses were blocked.

Now, in Tokyo the noodle shop "Rokurinsha" at Osaki of Tokyo could be said to have attracted a long queue. The staff of FNN queued up, finally it was possible to go into the shop after waiting for 1 hour and 53 minutes in hot weather in the sun. Although "Rokurinsha" won popularity by using the Futoshi noodle and mixed it in hot super-thick soup, and became popular and eminent in Tokyo, the store would be closed on August 29. The guests who had lined up in the procession said "This shop will be closed this month (August)", "Though it may be considered to be a little bit too much". For that reason there was a long line-up. Residents in the vicinity said 「The queue starts from ahead and up to around here. Aren't there various manner problems, I hope they can properly line up though」.

"Rokurinsha" set up the shop in a quiet residential area, if during holidays, about 100 people would likely line up, blocking the door of houses and hindering traffic. Complaints one after another were received from residents in the surrounding. Manager Ryo Setoguchi of Rokurinsha said 「Because customers keep coming, it cannot be said, 'Do not come'. The limit is the business space」. There are guidance from the police although the shop itself also had come up with a lot of measures, and finally the shop would be closed.

If you want to try the noodle in this shop, you better hurry.

2010年8月3日 星期二

青森夏日祭巡遊開始

Recently the NHK News reported the following:

東北地方を代表する夏祭り「青森ねぶた祭」が始まり、高さ5メートルの勇壮な大型ねぶたが、青森市の夜の街を練り歩きました。青森ねぶた祭は7日までで、期間中、およそ300万人が訪れると見込まれています。
「青森ねぶた祭」は、武者絵をかたどった「ねぶた」と呼ばれる勇壮な山車が、青森市の街の中を練り歩く夏祭りです。初日の2日は、雨が降ったりやんだりのあいにくの天気となり、午後7時すぎから、およそ30台のねぶたに透明のシートをかけて運行が始まりました。大型ねぶたは、高さ5メートル、幅9メートルあり、沿道に設けられた観覧席の前で、引き手が回転させると、盛んな拍手が送られていました。ねぶたの周りでは、「ハネト」と呼ばれる踊り手たちが、「ラッセラー、ラッセラー」という独特の掛け声とともに力強く飛び跳ね、青森の夜は熱気に包まれました。北海道から来た男性は「道路いっぱいに広がるねぶたが迫力満点でした。あすはハネトとして祭りに参加してみたい」と話していました。また、中国から来た観光客の女性は「とてもすばらしかった。ハネトが音楽に合わせて跳ねる様子が、エネルギーにあふれていて感激しました」と話していました。

The "Aomori Nebuta Festival" that represented the summer festival of north east region had started, and the spectacular, large-scale Nebuta of five meters in height paraded in the town of Aomori City at night. The Aomori Nebuta Festival would last until the 7th of this month, and it could expect about three million people to visit during the period.
In "Aomori Nebuta Festival" the spectecular parade called the "Nebuta" that had copy drawing of warriors was a summer festival parade in Aomori City. The first day was the 2nd of this month, because of the unlucky weather of rain-stop-rain, transparent sheets were put on about 30 Nebuta and at 7:00PM the parade started. Nebuta were five meters in height and nine meters in width and these large-scale Nebuta were rotated using pulling handles, in front of the spectator seats that had been installed along the route, and much applause were received. Surrounding the Nebuta were dancers called "Haneto" who jumped up and down forcefully, shouting with peculiar cheering sound "Rassera, Rassera", and the night in Aomori was full of bustling amidst noise and excitement. A man came from Hokkaido said 「The Nebuta that extended to the full road was powerful to the maximum. I want to participate in the festival as "Haneto" tomorrow 」. Also, a woman tourist from China said, 「It was very wonderful. The sight of Haneto dancing according to music was overflowed with energy, I was deeply moved. 」

I wish I could some day visit Japan to enjoy this Aomori Nebuta Festival and to share the joy.

2010年8月2日 星期一

指揮家小澤征爾復出

Recently the FNN News reported the following:

食道がんのため休養していた指揮者・小澤征爾さん(74)が、長野・志賀高原で半年ぶりに活動を再開し、復帰に向けた意欲を示した。
小澤征爾さんは「第2の人生が始まったと思って、きょうが第1日目だと思っています」と話した。 小澤さんは、2009年、健康診断で食道がんが見つかったため、2010年1月から休養し治療に専念してきた。手術や治療の経過は順調で、7月末から長野・奥志賀高原で行われているオーケストラの勉強会に参加し、1日は、若手を熱心に指導する様子が公開された。 手術で食道を摘出し、15kgもやせたということで、「食べ物も少ししか食べられず、体力も戻っていないが、指揮ができたことは夢みたい」などと語った。 小澤さんは、9月5日に行われる、「サイトウ・キネン・フェスティバル松本」の公演で正式に復帰する。

Conductor Seiji Ozawa (74) who was taking a rest due to esophageal cancer began active again in Nagano and Shiga Kogen after half a year resting, and had shown the desire to return.

Seiji Ozawa said that, "I regard it as the first day today because I think of it as the start of my new life". Mr. Ozawa took a rest in January, 2010 because esophageal cancer was found after a checkup in 2009 and concentrated on receiving the treatment. The process of the operation and the treatment went well, since the end of July he participated in training gatherings of the orchestra held in Nagano and Oku-shiga Kogen, and on the 1st of this month he appeared openly like an ardent young man conducting. The gullet was removed in the operation and he was thinner by as much as 15 kg, it was said, " Although I am able to eat only a little food, and my physical strength has not returned I want to dream of the conducting again". Mr. Ozawa would return formally when he conducts for "Saitou Kinen Festival Matsumoto" on September 5.

It is nice to hear Mr. Ozawa is returning. His devotion to music commands my respect.